Kochi’s Broadway market still awaits firefighting infrastructure after major blaze

Kochi’s busy Broadway commercial district still lacks the firefighting infrastructure proposed after a major blaze at Koluthara Bazaar in December 2025. The area continues to face risks from unauthorised parking and unregulated street vending, which can obstruct access for emergency services. Proposals to install fire hydrants remain unresolved, even as a recent fire at Fort Kochi’s Koder House again highlighted vulnerabilities in the city’s commercial and heritage areas.

A senior fire officer said the department had been instructed to ask the Kerala Water Authority to prepare an estimate for hydrants at key locations. Broadway is the priority, with M.G. Road, S.A.

Road and Vyttila also under consideration. The proposed arrangement would have the water authority install the system while the Fire and Rescue Services department pays the cost. The Kerala Water Authority had previously cited practical difficulties, including pipelines that do not provide water around the clock.

A water authority official also warned that pressure in the city’s mainline might not be sufficient for firefighting. The fire department said the proposed plan would connect hydrants to the mainline and provide uninterrupted flow, although the pressure issue remains. Officials are still exploring the options.

Fire officials said many shops in Koluthara Bazaar and Mather Bazaar had installed extinguishers and obtained electrical clearances after last year’s fire. K.M. John of the Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce said a safety audit was needed to establish the actual position.

He also called for water storage and action to clear access routes.